Chanel Paradoxal
2010
Today I am breaking my every-other-day posting schedule to bring you something very special indeed. Cast your eyes on (my new, shorter nails, and) Chanel’s latest offering, Paradoxal.
Paradoxal is currently only available in the US (due here in the UK in October) so this little gem was sent to me by the lovely Beauty Judy. Regular readers may remember the fabulous swap that Judy and I did back in the autumn of last year, and we decided that seeing as there were a few things I fancied from America and she was keen to get her mitts on some UK brands, it was time we swapped again.
So. This definitely falls into the category of one of the hardest to photograph polishes ever. Those of you who read more than one nail blog will already be familiar with Paradoxal’s secret shimmer. At first I thought it was a myth. I wore this over a long weekend on a hen party in Belgium and it was only
on the second day that the sun came out for long enough, and was bright enough for me to notice the glimmer.
Paradoxal applies beautifully and is perfectly opaque in two thin coats. You see it here with a layer of Ciate’s speed dry topcoat, as I know from experience that Chanel and Seche Vite don’t make the best of friends. On first appearance, this is a weird hybrid of dark purple, brown and grey. It is glossy and rich looking, and I absolutely love it.
My only complaint? The same as everyone else’s. Paradoxal chips like a fiend. Thankfully, I was talking to Scrangie on Twitter whilst applying this and she strongly advised me to take the bottle away with me for the weekend to be able to do quick and easy touch-ups. And how right she was. I had my 
first chip in less than 24 hours, and then it was just like Paradoxal gave up and started peeling away. By the third day, even with tip touch-ups, the thing was a mess.
So – my overall impression is that I absolutely adore the colour. I am a nail varnish geek so it makes me excited to see the shimmer as and when it elects to make an appearance. But even when it doesn’t (which is most of the time!), the basic colour is interesting and different enough to keep me entertained. As you can see, I struggled to capture the shimmer here but that’s ok to me as this is how it appears 99% of the time.
Like I said, I wore Paradoxal for four days over a long weekend away, and I have now put it back on again, a week later, as I was itching to wear it again. Unusual for me.
What do you think? Will you be splashing out on Paradoxal? Does it do it for you?
Helen
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ohh such a stunning color!
Nah, I’m not persuaded. BB Couture Incognito has echoes of this. Maybe Models Own Dusty Mauve too. Hearing that it chips does not endear it to me. And (whisper it) I just don’t think it’s a very nice colour….
I was told 13th August for UK release? Its stunning and I need it!
Shifa – Glad you like!
Jenni – Dusty Mauve is a good comparison. Everyone has been saying Purple Grey but I do think Dusty Mauve is better.
Charlie – Originally I read somewhere that it was 13th Aug but I re-researched it last night and it seems to have been moved to October
Helen
I was only thinking about Paradoxal yesterday and tried to research when it comes out, I think it’s such a lovely, unusual colour. However, I’m without wraps at the moment so the chipping is putting me off a little.
Absolutey beautiful colour as usual from Chanel….but now having read your post, my heart is saying go and purchase, but my head is saying its expensive and chips easily…hard decision, but I do love the colour!
For some reason I hadn’t thought Chanel would chip, goes to show that you can’t tell! Would a top coat shore it up or just ruin the effect?
Oh, I agree! It’s just gorgeous, but almost impossible to photograph! It’s the most expensive polish I own, but I do love it.
Well Helen I did it! Purchased my first Chanel polish a week ago. Haven’t worn it yet, I’m just gazing at the bottle. Pretty sad that it chips so much. You’d think with that price tag and name that there would be a great formula in that bottle. What a shame. This looks lovely on you. Your nails look fantastic.
It’s gorgeous and your nails look lovely! I’m looking through my collection at the moment and have been wondering how different it is from Nails Inc 80 Fulham Road? I think you may have that one too, so it would be nice to see a comparison if possible?
I’ve heard on Twitter that Models Own Purple Grey is apparently a good, cheaper dupe! They don’t stock it in my local Boots, but when they get it in, I’m off for a mooch.
I was told by the consultant at my local Chanel counter just today that it’s definitely out on 13th August when the A/W collection hits the counters! I hope so – can’t wait till October!
Everything chips on me like a beast. Colour like this? I’ll take the risk!
Well I have found that this polish lasts a LOT better with Chanel base and top coat – I am on day 4 now with no chips so far. Claire @ The Beauty Scoop! x